Armeria maritima Alba (Sea Thrift)

Armeria maritima ‘Alba’ (Sea Thrift) is a compact, evergreen perennial boasting round clusters of white pom-pom flowers borne atop slender stalks that rise well above the foliage. Blooming profusely in late spring to early summer, sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer.

Armeria maritima 'Alba' (Sea Thrift) is a compact, evergreen perennial boasting round clusters of white pom-pom flowers borne atop slender stalks that rise well above the foliage. Blooming profusely in late spring to early summer, sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer. Sea Thrift forms a dense, mounded tuft of grass-like, dark green leaves that will spread slowly. A charming little plant that is ridiculously easy to grow and is perfect for edging walks or borders. The flowers can be used as cut flowers too.

  • Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 6-9 in. wide (15-22 cm). Clumps will spread slowly and will need dividing only when the plant centers become bare.
  • Best in full sun, in infertile, dry, well-drained soils. In richer soils, the leaves tend to fall outwards leaving an open center. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Virtually disease and pest free, it is deer resistant and attracts bees and butterflies.
  • A great perennial plant for edging, border fronts, rock gardens, coastal gardens or massed as a ground cover for small spots.
  • Deadheading may produce a second flush of flowers.
  • Propagate by division or by basal semi-ripe cuttings

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Armeria – Thrifts
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 3"
– 6"
(7cm
– 15cm)
Spread 6"
– 9"
(15cm
– 22cm)
Spacing 6″
– 9″
(15cm
– 22cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow